Education award gives schools a 'well-deserved boost'

Here we speak to Clarissa Aston-Bush, commercial director for soft services at Norse Group, which sponsors the Primary/Junior School of the Year category.

Clarissa Aston-Bush, commercial director for soft services at Norse Group (Image: Daniel Lightening)

Why should people/schools/education establishments take the time to enter the Primary/Junior School of the Year category?

It is important for schools to take a step back and celebrate their achievements and positive outcomes. Being shortlisted for such an award would provide all members of the school with a well-deserved boost.

We recognise the level of dedication, quality and compassion it takes to run a successful primary school, and we are proud to sponsor this category.

What does your business/organisation do?

We provide schools, care settings and business sites with tasty, freshly prepared meals using the very best ingredients sourced from within East Anglia. 

We understand the positive impact our menus have on the health and wellbeing of our customers young and old.

What are your hopes for the future of education in Norfolk?

Our hope for the future of education in Norfolk is that every local child has access to high quality and diverse learning opportunities that will allow them to grow and thrive. 

We are keen to see Norfolk recognised as being an excellent place for children and young adults to succeed. 

With so much focus on English and maths as pupils build up to SATs at the end of primary and junior school, why is it important for schools to ensure a varied curriculum?

Every child is different, so we believe it is important to ensure a varied curriculum that can engage and inspire all. 

We are particularly passionate about seeing gardening clubs and cookery workshops in schools, as we know the positive impact this can have on children’s understanding of food, health and nutrition.

What do you feel is a primary/junior school’s main role?

Their main role is to support children and ensure every stage of their learning journey is positive, engaging and rewarding so children become happy and fulfilled adults. 

As we have seen over the last few years, primary and junior schools also act as hubs to help bring people together and enrich their communities.

The deadline for nominations for the Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Education Awards is midnight on Sunday, July 28. The finalists will be announced on Friday, September 27 and the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 17.

For more information, including four-point judging criteria, and to make your nominations, visit norfolkeduawards.co.uk